State agents arrest 11 following probe of Asheville nightclub

From staff reports

Published: Friday, October 11, 2013 at 10:24 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, October 11, 2013 at 10:24 a.m.

ASHEVILLE – Agents with North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Alcohol Law Enforcement arrested 11 people on drug charges Thursday following a year-long investigation of a nightclub in west Asheville, according to a news release from the Department of Public Safety.

Arrests and search warrants were served at Club Xcapades, 97-99 New Leicester Highway, and at residences connected to the business. Charges include the possession and sale of cocaine, marijuana and prescription medications. A weapon was also confiscated. Club Xcapades holds Alcoholic Beverage Control permits.

The Asheville Police Department first notified ALE that drugs were being sold at Club Xcapades and ALE launched the investigation as part of its Community Betterment Program. Asheville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the operation.

“Numerous investigative hours were spent on this case and we appreciate the help of our local and federal partners,” said John Pace, assistant special agent in charge of ALE's district office in Asheville. “ALE's community betterment initiative is working to reduce the number of violent offenses caused by drug transactions and weapons violations such as in this case.”

Those charged are:

Timothy Anderson, 45, Asheville

Ruslan Klimovich, 21, Asheville

Rhonda Lemons, 49, Asheville

Jesse Lemons, 27, Asheville

Erica Calvert, 23, Fairview

Robert Lanter, 36, Swannanoa

Brittney Rittenberry, 24, Asheville

Charles Simmons, 30, Asheville

Richard Jiles, 33, Asheville

Robert Brooks, 31, Asheville

Rianda Akins, 23, Asheville

The N.C. State Highway Patrol and N.C. Department of Revenue also assisted during the arrests and drug seizures.

ALE agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action for any criminal offense. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws and the Controlled Substances Act.

<p>ASHEVILLE – Agents with North Carolina Department of Public Safety's Alcohol Law Enforcement arrested 11 people on drug charges Thursday following a year-long investigation of a nightclub in west Asheville, according to a news release from the Department of Public Safety.</p><p>Arrests and search warrants were served at Club Xcapades, 97-99 New Leicester Highway, and at residences connected to the business. Charges include the possession and sale of cocaine, marijuana and prescription medications. A weapon was also confiscated. Club Xcapades holds Alcoholic Beverage Control permits.</p><p>The Asheville Police Department first notified ALE that drugs were being sold at Club Xcapades and ALE launched the investigation as part of its Community Betterment Program. Asheville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the operation. </p><p>“Numerous investigative hours were spent on this case and we appreciate the help of our local and federal partners,” said John Pace, assistant special agent in charge of ALE's district office in Asheville. “ALE's community betterment initiative is working to reduce the number of violent offenses caused by drug transactions and weapons violations such as in this case.”</p><p>Those charged are:</p><p>Timothy Anderson, 45, Asheville</p><p>Ruslan Klimovich, 21, Asheville</p><p>Rhonda Lemons, 49, Asheville</p><p>Jesse Lemons, 27, Asheville</p><p>Erica Calvert, 23, Fairview</p><p>Robert Lanter, 36, Swannanoa</p><p>Brittney Rittenberry, 24, Asheville</p><p>Charles Simmons, 30, Asheville</p><p>Richard Jiles, 33, Asheville</p><p>Robert Brooks, 31, Asheville</p><p>Rianda Akins, 23, Asheville</p><p>The N.C. State Highway Patrol and N.C. Department of Revenue also assisted during the arrests and drug seizures. </p><p>ALE agents have the authority to arrest and take investigatory action for any criminal offense. Their primary responsibility is the enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Control Laws and the Controlled Substances Act.</p>